Mayor De Blasio, Transit President Meet In Attempt To Improve MTA

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio has finally met with the president of the New York City Transit Authority to discuss fixing up the subways.

Six months after his appointment, NYCT President Andy Byford had an hour-long meeting with the mayor to urge him to support his “Fast Forward” plan, which promises to bring major improvements to the boroughs’ subway stations.

“I pushed him very hard on the need for funding over the next 10 years and the need for there to be substantial contributions from the city in order to make this plan a reality,” Byford said. “The mayor heard me out. He understands and recognized that there does need to be a solution for their MTA funding long term.”

The Mayor & NYC Transit Authority President Andy Byford meeting right now in City Hall. More info following the meeting. pic.twitter.com/poBQwOBmWO

In a press conference before their meeting, de Blasio stressed that he has been advocating on behalf of the MTA for months. He said that the changes unfortunately won’t come from Byford, but from lawmakers in Albany.

“We've got to fix the underlying problem. He doesn't make that decision. The governor and the legislature make that decision,” the mayor said. “So I have been advocating rather vehemently as you know for a millionaires tax which I believe would provide the MTA with the resources once and for all to fix the subways.”

De Blasio has pledged his support for Byford’s plan and has agreed to set up a working group and to have regular quarterly meetings.